There’s a lot to get done when moving, so one of the most important moving tips is to get started sooner rather than later. If you’re unsure of where to begin, or how to handle the move in general, then here is a list of moving tips that can help you be better prepared for what lies ahead. These tips include:
- Planning Your Move
- Getting Ready for Moving Day
- Packing Tips
Planning Your Move
There are plenty of things that you can do before your move to ensure that your transition is a success. Here are some great places to begin.
Set a Moving Date
Take all factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. Keep in mind, however, that the summer months (mid-May to mid-September) and the beginning and end of each month (regardless of the season) are particularly busy for moving companies and may require more flexibility and advanced scheduling.
Declutter
The fewer items you have to move, the simpler your move will be. Take a careful inventory of your household items to decide what goes with you and what you can part with in advance. You might lighten your load by getting rid of extra clothing and appliances, furniture that you don’t want in your new home, or items that are taking up space without adding real value to your life. Once you have sorted this out, host a garage sell or donate these items to a local organization. For the items you can't dispose of yourself, reach out to your moving company to confirm junk removal on the day of your move.
Gather Important Documents
Purchase a folder that you can use to keep all your important paperwork. This can include rental or purchase papers, personal identification records, bank statements and records, school transcripts and transfer paperwork, and car insurance cards.
Research Moving Companies
Ask your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members if they can make recommendations. Investigate each of the movers you select with the Better Business Bureau. Good service is the best measure of a good mover.
Obtain a Moving Quote
The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to perform a visual survey of your items. The consultant must be able to clearly see what is being moved to provide you with an accurate estimate. If you know of items that are out of view or will be eliminated, be certain to point them out to the consultant. Once the visual survey is completed, the consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charges related to your move.
Book Your Mover
Try to provide moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the summer months. We recommend at least four to six weeks before your desired moving date. This will increase your likelihood of securing the pickup and delivery dates you desire.
Transfer Services
You want everything to be ready to go when you arrive at your new home, and there are some important steps that you can take to make sure this happens. These include:
- Arrange to close your accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new hometown.
- Obtain a change-of-address kit from your post office or go to https://moversguide.usps.com.
- Have your utilities shut off the day after loading, such as gas, electric, telephone, and internet. Arrange to have these services up and running when you arrive at your new address.
Pack What You Can
Whether you are hiring professional movers or want to pack your entire household yourself, you can get ahead of this task by packing as much as you can ahead of time. This can include items that you don’t use frequently, like seasonal items. For packing tips, see below.
Getting Ready for Moving Day
You want the day of your move to go as seamlessly as possible. While you can’t plan for every unforeseen obstacle, there steps that you can take to make the big day a safe and enjoyable experience.
Pack a Box of Essentials
Unless you plan to get unpacked as soon as you arrive, you will want to have your daily necessities within easy reach. Pack a box or two of essential items, like clothing, chargers, electronics, and basic cookware. Make sure that these items are set aside and clearly marked so they do not wind up on the moving van.
Keep Children and Pets Safe
Plan for young children and pets so that they are safely monitored during the move. This will make the day much less stressful for everyone involved. If your children and pets are staying in the home, provide them with a designated room with plenty of activities to keep them occupied while packing and loading are completed.
Plan for the Weather
While you can do nothing to control the weather, you can take measures to ensure that your move is more comfortable. If you are moving in the summer, then dress in light clothing and make sure to have plenty of water on hand for yourself and the moving crew. If you are moving in the winter, dress in layers. If there is rain or snow on your moving day, keep towels on hand to keep the floors dry to help prevent slips and falls.
Packing Tips
If you plan to do some packing yourself, then use the following tips to keep your belongings safe during the move.
Use a Variety of Box Sizes
Have small, medium, and large boxes on hand rather than trying to use one standard size. Avoid over-filling the boxes because this could damage the items inside, and the box might be difficult and dangerous to lift.
Fill in The Gaps
Once you have placed the items into the box, fill in any gaps with moving paper or packing peanuts. This helps to prevent jostling during the move by keeping the contents more stable.
Pack by Room
Stay organized by packing one room at a time. That way, when it’s time to unpack, it will be much easier to sort the items and place them where they need to go.
Label Your Boxes
Detailed labels come in handy when unpacking because you will know exactly what is inside. You can include the name of the room and a brief description of the box contents.
Use Plenty of Tape
It might be tempting to conserve packing tape, but it’s important to make sure that the boxes are sealed completely. This will keep the boxes from opening and the contents from spilling out and possibly breaking during the move.
Items that Movers Can’t Move
If you are hiring professional movers, then it’s important to know that there are some items that they will refuse to pack. These items include:
- Flammable Items
- Combustible Items
- Aerosol cans
- Hazardous Materials
- Gasoline
- Plants
- Paints
- Ammunition and Explosives
- Jewelry
- Legal Documents (wills, financial papers, insurance documents, etc.)
If you have any questions about your move, never hesitate to ask! At 495 Movers, customer satisfaction is our priority, and we know how important it is to stay informed about your relocation. If you haven't booked a moving company, and would like to enlist the help of professional movers, then reach out to us to schedule a free quote.
